One of the more interesting decisions the Atlanta Falcons will be forced to make after this weekend's game is the future of quarterback Easton Stick. With Kirk Cousins embracing the backup role, you already have two roster spots locked into place. The question for the Falcons is whether the franchise will carry three quarterbacks on the active roster or attempt to sign a practice squad option. Atlanta has used both approaches in recent seasons, elevating the practice squad quarterback as Atlanta's emergency option.
Considering the options expected to hit the market, this could be the path the Falcons choose. It does allow you to add an additional player who has a chance to actually impact the roster. Stick is only going to be on the field if something goes horribly awry. With this in mind, cutting the quarterback and hoping to land him back on the practice squad is absolutely a possibility.
However, the obvious counter to this is Stick's experience with the Chargers in a backup role. With many teams carrying three options at the position, the QB could find himself a surprise top free agency option. It is certainly on the table as Atlanta begins to make final roster decisions.
Falcons QB Easton Stick Could Become Surprise Top Free Agent
Atlanta's roster has few obvious areas of debate with how the franchise is going to answer right tackle concerns being the most obvious. The Falcons are preparing for Kaleb McGary to miss games, and the primary backup, Storm Norton, is out as well due to a lower leg injury. Neither option appears close to a return, leaving a huge question mark at a pivotal position.
With this in mind, the extra roster spot might have more value in carrying an additional lineman than a third quarterback. Carrying the extra lineman hopefully prevents you from ever having to utilize Stick, keeping either Penix or Cousins healthy until McGary or Norton are able to return. All is setting up for a possible surprise cut that could lead to Stick becoming a sought-after option.
Few teams have the experience of Cousins in a backup capacity. Atlanta only has this advantage due to an awful front office decision that brought in the veteran alongside rookie Michael Penix Jr. It created understandable waves and frustrating financial implications. However, the one upside is the experience and possible ceiling of your backup, making Stick all the more expendable.